Broccoli And Cheese Soup

This classic combination of flavors lends itself well to this simple, creamy soup. By cooking the broccoli just right, the soup retains a vibrant bright green color. Serve this as a starter to any meal or with a sandwich or salad for a complete meal.

Prep Time:20 minutes

Total Time:35 minutes

Yield: 1 1/2 quarts, 4 to 6 servings

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Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 1/2 cups thinly sliced yellow onions

1 tablespoon sliced garlic

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

5 cups chicken stock or canned, low-sodium chicken broth

4 cups broccoli florets

1 1/2 cups (6 ounces) shredded medium sharp cheddar cheese

Simple Croutons, for garnish (optional)

Directions

Heat the olive oil in a 6-quart stockpot over medium heat. When it is hot, add the onions, garlic, salt, and cayenne pepper. Sauté until the onions are soft and translucent, 4 to 5 minutes.

Add the chicken stock and bring to a boil. Once the stock is boiling, add the broccoli and cook until fork-tender, about 5 minutes.

Remove the soup from the heat and let it cool slightly. Then puree the soup, in batches, in a blender, adding the cheese in three additions while blending (see Note). Adjust the seasoning if necessary, garnish with croutons if desired, and serve hot.

Note: Please use caution when blending hot liquids; blend only small amounts at a time, with the blender tightly covered and a kitchen towel held over the top.